Powering End-of-Season Renovations: Why AJ Greaves Grounds Maintenance Trusts the SISIS Rotorake Pedestrian Scarifiers (Mk4, Mk5 and 600HD)

For professional turf contractor Andrew Greaves of AJ Greaves Grounds Maintenance, successful end-of-season renovations begin long before seed is applied. Creating the ideal environment for healthy, resilient turf requires the right preparation, the right timing and, above all, the right equipment.

Working across cricket clubs, parish councils and sports facilities throughout Staffordshire, Andrew specialises in fine turf maintenance. From routine in-season management to major renovation projects, he relies on machinery that delivers consistent results while standing up to the demands of professional contracting.

When it comes to renovation work, three machines play a particularly important role in his maintenance programme- the SISIS Rotorake Mk4, Mk5 and 600HD.

Built for Serious Renovation Work

"The SISIS Rotorake 600HD is mainly used for end-of-season renovations," explains Andrew. "That's really where it comes into its own."
As cricket squares reach the end of another demanding season, removing organic matter and relieving compaction become vital steps in preparing surfaces for recovery. The Rotorake 600HD is purpose-built for exactly that job.
Designed for professional sports turf, golf courses, bowling greens, tennis courts and fine lawns, the Rotorake uses SISIS' proven contra-rotating reel system to remove thatch while producing clean, continuous slits that improve air and water movement through the soil profile.
The result is healthier turf, stronger root development and improved conditions for overseeding and recovery. The Mk4 and Mk5 models are used throughout the season for regular maintenance e.g. brushing and verticutting.

More Than Just an End-of-Season Machine

Although renovation work is its primary role, Andrew also finds the Rotorake scarifiers invaluable throughout the playing season.
"I do sometimes use them for pitch preparation," he says. "I'll often go over the pitch first just to lift the laterals before following up with a combi-rake."
Removing lateral growth before final preparation helps produce cleaner, more consistent playing surfaces while improving the quality of cut from subsequent operations.
That versatility means the Rotorake isn't simply parked up until autumn—it earns its place throughout the cricket calendar. A brush cassette can be used weekly to keep the pitches nice and clean.

Two Reels, Multiple Jobs

Andrew regularly swaps between the brush reel and the verticut reel depending on the task at hand. The brush reel provides excellent versatility throughout both renovation and match preparation. "Once you've created the slot during renovations, the brush reel is really good for cleaning everything out."
Removing loose debris from the grooves creates better seed-to-soil contact, helping maximise the effectiveness of overseeding during renovation work. The brush also has an important role during the season.

"If I'm preparing pitches, I can use it to stand the grass up and help dry the surface." Whether lifting the sward before mowing or brushing moisture from the wicket, it provides another practical tool within Andrew's maintenance programme.

Controlling Annual Meadow Grass

One attachment Andrew considers essential is the verticut reel. "I use the verticut for cutting out annual meadow grass and laterals."

Annual meadow grass (Poa annua) remains one of the biggest challenges in cricket square management. Left unchecked, it can reduce surface consistency and affect playing performance.

"I use the verticut as often as I can when conditions are right—normally about once a month on a cricket square." Regular verticutting removes unwanted lateral growth while encouraging denser, healthier turf and maintaining a cleaner, more uniform sward throughout the season.

Precision Where It Matters Most

One feature Andrew particularly values is the Rotorake's micro-adjustment system. "I really like the micro adjustment, especially when verticutting." Unlike heavier scarifying operations, verticutting demands extremely accurate depth control. "You've got to be really careful not to go too deep into the surface."

The Rotorake's precise adjustment system allows operators to make fine alterations with confidence. "It makes life much easier than the old winding handle systems." That level of control helps Andrew achieve consistent results while protecting valuable fine turf surfaces.

Designed for Professional Contractors

As someone working across multiple venues, Andrew values machinery that is both productive and straightforward to operate. "The controls are really simple." With independent wheel and reel drives, operator presence controls, six forward speeds and reverse gear, the Rotorake has been designed with professional users in mind.

"You've basically got the engine start, wheel drive, rotor engagement and a handful of controls. Everything is easy to understand." That simplicity allows operators to focus on producing high-quality work rather than fighting with complicated controls.

A True Heavy-Duty Machine

Having also worked extensively with SISIS Mk4’s, Mk5’s and Auto Rotorake 600 HD models, Andrew immediately notices the difference in the 600HD's construction.
"This one's a heavier machine." At approximately 180kg, the Rotorake 600HD has been engineered to tackle demanding renovation work across large areas. "You can really get it into the surface for end-of-season renovations."
Compared to lighter machines, the additional weight provides excellent ground engagement, allowing the contra-rotating blades to work effectively through thatch and organic matter. "It's a real brute."

While its size means it takes a little more effort to manoeuvre than smaller machines, Andrew says the machine's powered drive makes handling straightforward.
"It's around 100 kilos heavier than some of the other machines I've used, but with the driven wheels you can easily drive and turn it at the same time."
The result is a machine capable of tackling intensive renovation work without sacrificing operator control.

Quick Reel Changes Keep Work Moving

Time is always at a premium during autumn renovations, particularly when weather windows are limited. Fortunately, changing reels on the Rotorake is a simple process. "It's about a five-minute job." Removing one reel and fitting another requires little more than undoing a retaining bolt.

"You simply remove the bolt, slide the reel out one side and fit the next one." That quick-change design enables contractors to adapt the machine for different maintenance tasks without lengthy downtime.

Proven Reliability Across the Fleet

Andrew's confidence in SISIS equipment extends well beyond the Rotorake 600HD. Alongside it, he also owns two mk4’s and a mk 5 SISIS pedestrian scarifier.

"The two Mk4’s are around 15 and 20 years old, and the Mk5 is about five years old." Despite their age, they remain dependable members of his fleet. "They're all good machines. They go straight into work and I'd always trust them to help with end-of-season renovations or pitch preparation." For a contractor working to tight schedules, that dependability is invaluable.

Making Large Renovation Projects Easier

Large cricket squares demand significant time and effort during renovation season. Andrew believes the Rotorake 600HD dramatically improves productivity. "I'd say this machine is probably a must-have for end-of-season work." Particularly on larger squares, the benefits become even more apparent.

"If you've got a square like this with 15 pitches, it makes life a lot easier." Its 600mm working width, heavy-duty construction, contra-rotating reel system and efficient debris removal allow contractors and grounds teams to cover large areas quickly while maintaining consistent results.

Investing in Better Turf

For Andrew, the SISIS Rotorake scarifiers have become much more than another machine in the shed.
They have become a vital part of delivering healthier, stronger cricket surfaces season after season.
From monthly verticutting and in-season pitch preparation to intensive end-of-season renovations, its combination of power, precision and versatility allows him to work efficiently without compromising on quality.
For contractors and grounds professionals responsible for maintaining high-performance fine turf, the Rotorake 600HD continues to prove itself as an investment that delivers long after the renovation season has ended.
Find out more about the 600HD